Lindor’s Slow Start
Despite a slow start, Francisco Lindor has had a strong finish to the month of April, helping the Mets get to 15-14 on the season. Lindor, who struggled in the Mets first couple of series, has 12 hits and 4 home runs since going to Los Angeles on April 19th. In 11 games, Lindor has been able to show that he is still the player that we all know he can be. It will be important for Lindor to have one of his best seasons yet if he expects to make his second postseason with the Mets this year. With players like Francisco Alvarez hurt, and Brett Baty struggling, it falls on the leaders of this lineup to get the job done on a nightly basis, and Lindor is starting to prove once again that he can do that.
Photo by Jason Vinlove
Right now, the Mets sit in 3rd place in the NL East, 5 games out of 1st. With the Phillies and Braves leading the division, it will be important for the Mets to capitalize on division games. So far the Mets are 2-1 in division, winning a series against the Braves in Atlanta. On May 10th, the Mets start a stretch of nine straight division games against Atlanta, Philly, and Miami. The Mets will have a chance to make up major space in the division standings. Winning all of these series should put them back on top of the division fighting for first place with Philly and Atlanta. The Mets will be counting on the likes of Francisco Lindor, as well as guys like Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo to help them get back in the running for the division.
Pete’s New Deal
Speaking of Pete Alonso, the Mets have a decision to make regarding his contract. Expiring after this season, Pete has made it known that he wants to stay with the Mets for the right price. He is beloved by the fans and has seen improvement in the box every year. Would it be worth it for the Mets to extend Alonso? I believe so. Pete is 29 years old and has slugged at least 35 home runs throughout every full season he has played with the Mets. His average was climbing steadily, until a tough 2023 that not only affected him, but the entire Mets team. Watching him this season so far, it looks like I am watching a different player. He seems more composed in the box and it looks like he is trusting his swing and not relying on his power too much. When Pete really gets going this season, he will earn his contract this winter.
Photo by Karsten Moran
The Mets have some major issues that they need to figure out. Their starting rotation has seen some better days. Adrian Houser has struggled so far to start this season, and with injuries to Senga and Tylor MeGill, it is tough to say just exactly when the rotation will get an upgrade. However, surprises like Luis Sevirino and Jose Butto have saved the Mets some major, early season roster reconstruction. Brett Baty, started off the year hot but has since cooled off. Will it be worth it to bring up Mark Vientos for more than two games? All of these questions will be answered in due time, but with Francisco Lindor finally playing like himself, and Pete Alonso wanting to earn a new contract this winter, the Mets are primed to win some games down the stretch.